Life's "Little" Temptations (Part 2. Lust Of The Eyes)

Updated on November 29, 2016

This article is part of a series of independent studies. (Part 2 of 3 in series)

* all [bracketed] words in Scripture verses are mine *

This is the second of three installments in a series about the realm of our current existence, this fleshly body. While we reside in this "earthly house" as the apostle Paul called it, we have fallen prey to three types of sin from three sources that have never changed, namely the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. In the first installment of this series, we considered 1 John 1 and the first listed type of sin, lust of the flesh. We spoke of the frailty of our sinful bodies, of the ease with which we sin, even when our spirit wants to never sin again. We spoke of how our born-again relationship makes it possible to say no to the flesh, to find a way away from the temptation. In this second installment, we will speak of lust of the eyes which is the gateway of temptation.

Information and data comes into our minds by way of the eyes and what one allows in by the eyes may become sin to him. Consider the example of Lot who looked to the plain of Jordan and lusted after it. He knew of the city of Sodom was there as well and just pitched his tent "toward Sodom" where he could see it. But then, a few verses later, he is living in Sodom with his family and he is sitting at the gate, which means that he had become a sort of town "justice of the peace" or judge for the city so that he would judge matters as a city official. What came into the eyes trapped him and then condemned his family. His sons ignored his plea to come with him as the city was to be destroyed. He lingered, and the angels had to take them by the hand and set them outside. They warned them not to look back but Lots wife could not resist giving in to the lust of the eyes and she looked back and became a pillar of salt.

"And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar...Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD...Then the men said to Lot, "Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city - take them out of this place! For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it"...And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought them out and and set them outside the city. So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, " Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed." Then Lot said, "Please no, my lords!"...But his wife looked back behind him and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 13:10, 12-13; 19:12-13, 16-18, 26)

"Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 1:15-17)

"For we know if this earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the LORD, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the LORD. Therefore we make it our aim, whether presentor absent, to be well pleasing in the LORD." (2 Corinthians 5:1-8)

Life is everywhere, if you open your eyes and look around. It's a great big world out there with so many things to see. Look over there - someones got a fast, red sport scar and it looks so sexy, so hot. And over there, a nice big house with a manicured lawn, a guy mowing the lawn and someone beautiful sunning herself in a lawn chair, probably his girlfriend or wife. Ahh, Life. And then comes the thought that added to what is seen makes it become sin: I wouldn't mind having that life. Why should that guy have a life like that when all I got is this humdrum existence in which I live? I want that life. I wantthat red sports car to drive up to that house and mow my nice lawn while my "significant other" suns herself in the yard for me to see. Heck for everyone to see! I want that and that - and that and that and that. (Like the song, though I date myself for mentioning it.) "Gimme dat t'ing, gimme dat t'ing, gimme, gimme, gimme dat t'ing!"

Of course I speak of the lust of the eyes. Things that come into the eye-gate of your consciousness. This includes the literal eyes and also the figurative eyes, where visualization meets imagination. (Lusting and sin takes place in the mind so this figurative sense makes it possible for those without sight to succumb to lust of the "eyes" as well.) For the seeing population, the world and Satan oblige by sprinkling sparkle and glitz on everything. In generations past, people would look at the "wish book" which was the term for a mail-order catalog and dream. The women would gather and speak of what their lives should be and the things they should have, and then why others had no business living the lives they led. Guys would get together and speak of things they lusted after as well. They would speak of women and compare their woman to them while they postured over what their conquests would consist of, how they would be different than what they now lived, then compared it to how others would handle the same situation.

The main types of sin have not changed since sin invaded the garden. Lust of the eyes was there in Eden with our first two parents. There was the fruit hanging on the tree... and a thought given by Satan. A promise of some glory that they didn't experience in the life given them by God. They saw, they lusted, they sinned. No, sin doesn't change, but times sure have. Technology and society have made it seem that sin has changed, but it hasn't. What used to be whispered in groups of two or three is now trumpeted from the rooftops. The Internet brings the lust of the eyes right into your home. Now one does not need go to find a prostitute - one can get as much eye candy and sexual tension that they can handle and it is free for the taking. One can dream of wealth and riches and glory and be free to lust and covet as much as their sinful minds can take in.

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to theeyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her and he ate." (Genesis 3:6)

Consider the example of a place designed especially for this weakness in mankind, the great Las Vegas, Nevada. It is just one of many such places that have been purposely designed to appeal to the eyes and to pull one in with its sensual allure. As one looks at the skyline it looks like Christmastime in summer. Everything sparkles and is surreal in its splendor. Enormous shapes that titillate the eyes and overwhelm the senses. Excitement is in the air and seeming fun everywhere. In the casinos, the ringing of bells, the advertised events and shows, the hint of the forbidden and the promise of fortune, all mingle with the dreams of wealth and the supposed respect that such things bring. One forgets principles of hard work for reward, and focuses on immediate gratification, and sensual pleasure. The machines eating up every one's money have pictures depicting sensuality and violence. The look of seriousness on the faces of many people speak to their seriousness in the service of their gods, money and hedonism. Add to that the stigma that some consider the very existence of such a place sin and the partaking of such things as wasteful debauchery, and you have a powerful lure to partake and see what all the excitement is about. Each year millions of people do.

But one doesn't have to go to Las Vegas or Reno or any other specific place to have this false allure and the empty promises of the lust of the eyes. They can stay right at home or just look around their own circle of life. The whole world is in a state of flux so that the result will be temptation in every place, no haven for spiritual renewal.

When does "looking" become sin?

There is a Bible character that has been a hero of mine for years and years. He wrote the chronologically oldest book of Scripture, the book of Job. Job is not my hero for the same reasons that most admire him. I note and appreciate the fact that he was tested and came out with the stamp of approval from the LORD. I note that God was so confident in him so as to confront Satan head on about what the evil one wanted to do to him. God knowing that the devil desired to tempt, test, and to try to mentally destroy Job, allowed him to do it. It was fascinating to see how God had power over how far the devil could go. Most see this test and how Job behaved as the best part of Job and the great lesson for us. Though I don't want to minimize this event in Job's life, I admire something else about him entirely.

Job is one of my heroes because he had similar failings as I, and dealt with them. He had worked out with God ways to stave off his sin. He had a problem with fear and worry, dealing with this by worship and sacrifice to a holy God. The ways he used to walk a straight path have become some of the best lessons I have incorporated into my life. His life, and his reasonings have become a reason I can be stronger when I face the same sin. Let me explain. I have a problem with lust of the eyes, as did Job. How do I know Job lusted? because he met it head on and made a covenant with his eyes that he might not look on the maidens that surrounded him so that he could guard his sight and remain pure in thought. He was a man similar to myself and with like failings and he still was enough of an example that God said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" (Job 1:8) Job respected and honored marriage and understood that God did not wish men to multiply wives to themselves. Many men, many examples in Scripture, tried to handle their sexual lusts by having many women, multiple wives and concubines. (This tactic never works by the way.) Job loved his one wife and knew that he must not even gaze upon another woman in lust. He knew how easy this would be and knew his own predilections, so he made a covenant with his eyes to be pure before a holy God.

"For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has come upon me [He also dealt with worry and fear, as do I.]." (Job 3:25)

"And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each one on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. Thus Job did regularly." (Job 1:4-5)

"I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman? For what is the allotment of God from above, and the inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is it not destruction for the wicked, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps? If I have walked with falsehood or if my foot has hastened to deceit, let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity. If my step has turned from the way, or my heart walked after my eyes, or any spot adheres to my hands, then let me sow and another eat. Yes, let my harvest be rooted out. If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor's door, then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down over her." (Job 31:1-10)

So Christian reader, search your heart. What are your lusts and weaknesses that threaten you and would so easily beset you? Are they monetary lusts, such as seeing or hearing of money others possess or have won and you wish you could have the same? Do you visualize it, so that is what comes first in your heart? You realize that what comes before God, you have made your god, don't you? Is imagining yourself in a certain lifestyle becoming sin to you? Do you constantly struggle for things or gadgets or conveniences or comforts of life? Does your mind sin while striving for honor and prestige, notoriety among men? Is your god the god of education and you put amassing knowledge before service to God? Are you one striving to be seen of men and or to gain a name for yourself? What do you allow to enter your eye-gate that you dwell on, so that it becomes sin to you? For these things are not necessarily evil of themselves. After Job's trial he became famous, wealthy, had reward, but I am sure that it did not become sin to him. The sin comes when lust and temptation conceive. It's not what comes into your eyes but what your mind does with it once it's in there. So what is it dear reader? Know you can make a covenant with your eyes and a promise before the LORD to limit that stimuli. If you know you are easily swayed to sexual things, you may need to make a covenant with your eyes to limit anything that may cause you to stray from purity. If it is money, you may need to limit or eliminate certain shows you watch or certain things you may do for entertainment. You can meet the sin head on and fill your mind with worship and meditation on the LORD until there is no room or time for dalliance in lustful gazing, whatever that lust would be.

"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the LORD out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)

"Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. Can a man take fire into his bosom and his clothes not be burned?" (Proverbs 6:25-27)

Each person will be different in their lusts and in their tolerances. One person will be able to handle a ministry in a bar where he witnesses to the patrons, another may never be able to look at anything having to do with alcohol, even a hint. Some may not be bothered by going to the beach with all the bikini-ed babes there, while others may have to avoid beaches all together. I suggest a realistic reckoning of what you need may be in order. Fear God and avoid evil, like Job.

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:14-15)

It may be that you, the reader, are not Christian or are Christian in name only. Maybe you've not really taken the time to consider God seriously or thought God was just "religion" and not for you. Well beloved one, you will fall prey to the very things we spoke of, only you will not be able to stop yourself from lusting with your eyes. This world has a grip on folks that don't know Jesus as their personal LORD and Savior. It could be you have secret addictions or obsessive thoughts about money, or power or sex. Maybe drugs or substances are what your eyes seek out. Well Jesus wants you to know that in Christ you can have power over those obsessive thoughts. You can have the Spirit that will guide your life but only if you receive Him as Savior.

What must one do to be saved? God made it easy to get saved if certain conditions exist. First one must believe God exists and that He sent His Son to die for all mankind. You must also believe that you are a sinner. For how could you ask Jesus to save you if you didn't believe you need saving in the first place? Then just cry out to Him to save you. It really is just that simple.

The Bible says:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

"For all who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Pray this with me:

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I deserve Your judgment. I believe that You came to earth in human flesh to die for my sin and that You hung on the cross for me. I believe that You spent three days in the grave but the grave couldn't hold You and You rose from the dead. I ask You to forgive me of my sin and save me. I turn now from my sin to Jesus as the only way of salvation and I promise to follow You all the days of my life. Thank you for saving me. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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Comments 22 comments

The lust of the eyes is a major unlying problem in our world today. Just like in the days of Elijah, Isaiah and later on Jeremiah it seems even Christians are being suck in to activities of the world which may seem harmless but are less than God's standard of holiness.

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

That is right ecoggins. The world is painted with a bright shiny brush and made to look desirable and exciting. But under the surface is sin and mire. We must learn to see things as they are and avoid anything that would entrap us. Many blessings.

drpastorcarlotta 6 years ago from BREAKOUT MINISTRIES, INC. KC

WOW!!!!! no body, you really put your heart in this HUB!!! I finally realize who you are! You have visit me on Facebook too and I have seen your pic and real name!!!! Am I correct? lol. I just love you!!!! I voted-up and awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

Yes Lottie I am Bob Smith and I am just as I seem. For better or worse, this is me. The Lord is not done with me yet, though. I want everyone that has my failings to benefit from this. I believe that I am not alone in this. I think many give themselves a pass to look but not touch. I think many say think but not do. Many say do but don't get caught. I have always been a don't even look man that struggles with looking and repenting and not looking for a long time then doing it all over. I have covenanted with my eyes and been quick to repent. I have put roadblocks that I have to knock over to get to sin. Many times it staves it off for a long time. I have only one friend and my wife that I can call on any time should I have weakness, but I have many prayer partners. Lust of the eyes is so hard because everything is made to look so desirable. Everything is given a thumbs up by the world. The world encourages visualizing things you want and not hesitating. The world encourages immediate gratification instead of patience. This world is evil and when I reach for the world I become evil too. So things must be done to stay close to the Lord and stay clean. I love ya Lottie.

Dave Mathews 6 years ago from NORTH YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA

Truly satan relies upon our power of sight to tempt us, even as he did with EVE but it is not the sight alone but also his lies and twisting of reality that entrap us.

Brother Dave.

fred allen 6 years ago from Myrtle Beach SC

Being a man with all of the baggage that comes with that. (sexual desires, visions of grandeur, wanting the best that life has to offer) It is not natural that I would chose to abandon pursuit of these things, rather fulfillment. But ther is one thing that I desire even more. It keeps my other desires in check. It is that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. It is why I make a covenent with my eyes. It is why I understand that it is not about me and what I can get. You have done well to write this series. Up and awesome!

exjwlaurie 6 years ago

Wonderful job here brother No Body!

You are so right--Satan started with Eve, and to this very day--he has a "flavor" for every appetite of man's sinful nature. We must ALWAYS be on guard! Satan never rests--neither must we. It is when we "think" we are standing, that is when we fall.

Looking, thinking, reasoning, obsessing--is a chain which links us to sin. We do well to pray while we are in that first phase...of looking!

I tell ya--when I see a "Cinnabun", then I smell a Cinnabun, then I reason on how I can work those calories off later, it becomes way-too easy to obsess about. I just avoid that area of the food court altogether now! Don't laugh! Food can be a god, just as easy as any other thing! Everyone has their own path to addiction, and carbs are definitely mine! I struggle with food cravings, and it isn't funny to me!

But, it isn't a sin to most people which is why my comparison may seem absurd. But--like I said, even food can lose its rightful place within our lives--if we let it.

I found it interesting in the wilderness, how God made the Israelites rely on Him for their food. He gave them 'just enough' for each day. He taught them to rely on Him, trust in Him, and they learned food's proper place.

Another necessary lesson they learned in the wilderness was that they were NOT to place any other god before Yahweh. They struggled with their issues for 40 years!

Thank you for such a well-written and informative hub about this serious and necessary subject! We all have different cravings, but regardless of what that is--it is still a stumbling block into sin--if we are not careful! Anything that distracts us from our God, could be our downfall.

Awesome job brother!

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

I know Dave, I walk around a lot with my eyes closed and then realize I don't have to close them, just look to Jesus. If you fill your sight and mind with the LORD you have no time or room for the traps laid for us. We can do this if we walk in the Spirit.

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

Hi Fred, I am a man as well. I know women have their own set of problems in this area but my expertise is me. I am frail but in my weakness I am strong. I have to crucify the flesh and that is about as weak as a person can get. I have to totally lean on God as my total strength. He gives me the things I need. Not that I don't need others of like faith to come alongside as well but when all others fail me, Jesus never does. He is a friend that is closer than a brother. Many blessings brother.

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

Sister Laurie, I would never laugh at fleeing the very appearance of evil. If one is weakened by sexual things then one sees the stuff everywhere. I monitor my life very closely. On certain days I have to make certain I don't leave the haven of my prayer closet. On others things don't bother me too much. Things that come into my eyegate I note as a beautiful creation and move on. When my flesh does not want to move on then I have to modify my steps, behavior, and act accordingly. Thank you sister for telling me about the buns because now I know you know how I feel. I don't feel so alone, even though I know I am not alone. Love you sister.

Tamarajo 6 years ago from Southern Minnesota

I love the picture at the top of your hub very fitting for your topic.

I agree seeing with our eyes is just the beginning of what can begin to take place in our imaginations.

I liked your example of Job. Most people don't note him for his human struggles with temptation as much for his unjust suffering.

Good teaching.

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

Wow what a compliment coming from a woman mighty in the LORD. Job survived and did well but I think he was strong because of those other things he did and his walking with his LORD. Satan accused God (and thankfully so because we now know that God puts hedges of protection around His children) of stopping his attacks. Job himself set up a safety zone to be safely by his LORD's side. Things work out so much better for me when I do this too. Loveya sister.

djbraman 6 years ago

Oh Robert this is a wonderful hub and so, so true! Thank you for sharing these truths, and I'm so glad to see you on hub! Keep writing the word of G-d, my friend! Blessings to you!

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

Hi Donna. I'm happy you were blessed by it. The next one will be real heavy too. It is near and dear to my heart because it exposes my weaknesses to all. I wondered why you leave the "o" out in the word above. I am sure you must have explained it before but I must have missed it. If I were to guess I would say it is the same reason that the Jews refused to write any hint of the sacred name. Am I right? If that is the reason I really do need to read why you do that because I never really understood why that fear existed. I know we can go into the throneroom itself and cry "Abba Father!" But my sister I'm sure you'll explain your reason. Love you sister.

DeBorrah K. Ogans 6 years ago

Nobody, Wonderful insight and much to ponder in this marvelous presentation! I too enjoy story of Job! It has a plethora of wonderful lessons. There is comfort as you say knowing “God had power over how far the devil could go”

I am most thankful for the things the Lord has allowed me to experience, The many beautiful places on this earth He has allowed me to see... I pray earnestly that if I want something that if it be in the Lord’s will for me then let it be. He will make a way, If not I will be content… I have learned and continue to give up whatever hinders my walk with the Lord! I have come to the place that it is the “Narrow Road” of travel that I am committed to... I also realize that as long as He has me on this side of heaven there is much more for me to learn. “We never arrive and are always becoming…”

There will always be those who will not understand you, who will intentionally try to pull you off course, or undermine your good intentions. We can easily get our wants and needs confused... It is during these times we must FOCUS as you say; “KEEP your eyes on JESUS!” There are times when we must spend time alone with the Lord “To Be STILL and KNOW!” There is no secrets where the Lord is concerned He knows us from the inside out. There is an unexplainable inner PEACE knowing that He knows exactly where we are…. The cleansing POWER of HIS WORD is so dear to me...

We have been given the gift of His precious Holy Spirit to help us navigate through the landmines, obstacle, temptations and hindrances the devil puts in our way… They really are a sure sign that he wants to derail you… God truly is able. This is why we ALL need a SAVIOR! Thank God for JESUS! Thank you for sharing this has been thought provoking! Much love Bob may the Lord continue to BLESS, Keep & strengthen you In HIS Love, Joy, Peace & Blessings!

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

DeBbie you are a wonderful sister in the LORD. I know that each person's walk is ordered by the LORD and I see His hand evident in your testimony that is visible to all. I also know we are but dust and we will also struggle as long as we live in these sinful bodies. I am always striving to be closer to God and I thank Him for my journey so far. I keep telling myself that if I got what I deserved I would be in hell right now. I want to be content with where Jesus has put me. I have so much and have been blessed so much. I know good people that love God. I have people that love me, my wife, my children, my family and friends. I have a place to get in out of the rain and many things to make me comfortable. It all belongs to God and like Job's case it all can be taken, if it be God's will. He knows what's best. I say all of this with a clear head and a clean conscience. But then...the days when, for whatever reason, my flesh is given leave to lead me and my eyes for the moment are off the LORD, then I am immediately feeling the pulls as a result of my sin. I am so grateful to know you DeB and so many of my Hubpages family. You will always be near and dear to my heart because you all strengthen me and lend reason to watch my every step, like Job.

noturningback 6 years ago from Edgewater, MD. USA

The day I am able to conquer sin altogether is most likely the day the LORD will call me home.

I think of myself more like David, his lust of flesh was real as is mine, yet he was able to be the LORD's hands and feet on so many occasions.

I consider myself some sort of metal, having had most of the chaff removed, now I must be tempered by God's Spirit in order that I might become sanctified and made worthy enough to appear before Him one day.

In the mean time annealing (a lot of kneeling) instead of an annointing is my lot, I just hope I might share something of myself to convict others to follow the LORD and not the world.

Thank you for the great hub, I'll be looking for the third part.

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

It definitely won't happen until you go home, my friend. That I can tell you. Our struggle with these "bodies of death" will be lifetime enterprises. I, too want to be used of Christ. I want to make Him happy. I know He is with me and "sups" with me and I don't want to make Him grieve. We will never be worthy enough. We get to be with Him because of His righteousness imputed to us. That happens when we receive Him as Personal LORD and Savior. As we walk with Him, He purges us of sin and as we grow hopefully we learn not to sin as much because of keeping our eyes on Him. We will never earn worthiness. He has sanctified us by making us His children. We abide with Him, walk with Him and He declares us holy because of His Son.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago

This is a fantastic message. I especially enjoyed:

"For the seeing population, the world and Satan oblige by sprinkling sparkle and glitz on everything"

Profound indeed! And this:

"What used to be whispered in groups of two or three is now trumpeted from the rooftops."

Isn't that the truth!

I am beset by trouble with my eyes. It is hard not to be in modern day America, the devil's playground. Your missive strikes me to my core and I am resolved to repent. Thank you.

no body 6 years ago from Rochester, New York Author

Me too, Jimmy. Me too. I repent on a daily basis. I continually give my eyes to Him and turn them away from that which would give my lust a life of its own. Anyone that thinks this is easy is lying to themselves. It was designed to destroy and it is designed to appeal to things our flesh craves. To say no to the flesh, day by day and moment to moment, it's no wonder that the Lord greets us in heaven: "Enter into thy rest." It has been hard and a continual fight to remain in clean fellowship with Him. Thank you Jim. I needed to hear that the words were effective and having you say you were prompted to repent is a gift that gives me much strength and encouragement. Love you brother.

paul 23 months ago

Thank so much for the great work you may God protect you.

no body 23 months ago from Rochester, New York Author

Thank you for that tiny prayer that means so much to me, Paul. I wished to portray in the article and in the whole series of articles that I am not immune to the temptation and that should I take my eyes off the Lord, I am apt to chase my flesh to my own destruction. Thank you for reading and for your loving comment, Paul. Bob.